UPDATE: April 3, 2020

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, MBARI is cancelling our Open House this year. We will miss showcasing our latest research and technology with you in person this summer, but the health and well-being of the community is our top priority. Please know that we’re continuing to share our stories daily via our website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

MBARI’s Open House

During this free event, our staff, scientists, and engineers will share their knowledge and enthusiasm about oceanographic research. Highlights include science exhibits, technology demonstrations, deep-sea videos, presentations about our research, robotic submarines, children’s activities, and an opportunity to listen to the sounds of the ocean. This event is fun for the whole family!

Information

LOCATION: MBARI is located in Moss Landing, halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey off Highway 1. The Moss Landing power plant is a visible landmark just inland of Moss Landing Harbor. From Highway 1, turn west (toward ocean) onto Moss Landing Road. Turn on Sandholdt Road and cross the bridge. MBARI is on the west side of the road. Directions.

TIME: The Open House begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 5:00 p.m. Because much of the setup occurs in the morning prior to opening, we ask that people refrain from coming ahead of time. The exhibits and activities will be available at 12:00 noon.

PARKING: Limited free public parking is available along the streets. The nearby Moss Landing Harbor District also offers some parking for a fee.

FOOD: Food and beverages will not be available at MBARI. However, there are several restaurants within walking distance. There are also several benches around MBARI that you can use to picnic with your family as well as access points to the beach.

PRESENTATIONS:

Presentations from Open House 2019

All presentations are held in the Pacific Forum
12:15 – An introduction to MBARI ~ Chris Scholin
12:45 – Mapping the deep: Remote visualization of the seafloor in Monterey Bay ~ Monica Schwehr
1:15 – Bone-eating worms, green bombers, bloody-gut ctenophores: Highlights of MBARI’s deep-sea discoveries and how they are named ~ George Matsumoto
1:45 – The greatest migration on Earth: Now playing nightly in your local ocean! ~ Sam Urmy
2:15 – An introduction to MBARI ~ Chris Scholin (REPEAT)
2:45 – A day in the life of an AUV operations engineer ~ Emery Nolasco
3:15 – Bone-eating worms, green bombers, bloody-gut ctenophores: Highlights of MBARI’s deep-sea discoveries and how they are named ~ George Matsumoto (REPEAT)
3:45 – The greatest migration on Earth: Now playing nightly in your local ocean! ~ Sam Urmy (REPEAT)
4:15 – A day in the life of an AUV operations engineer ~ Emery Nolasco (REPEAT)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we come as a group?
A: If coming as a group of more than 15 people, please send an email to openhouse@mbari.org or call 831-775-1700. There is no room for buses to unload, turnaround, or park at MBARI. There is room at the nearby Harbor District parking area.

Q: Can I see the ships?
A: MBARI research ships will be at the dock during the event and crew from the ships will be available to answer your questions.

Q: Can I board the ships?
A: Due to Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the public will not be able to board the ships.

Q: Are restrooms available?
A: Yes, there are public restrooms.

For more information or to receive an announcement for our next Open House send an email to openhouse@mbari.org.

Research programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) encompass the entire ocean, from the surface waters to the deep seafloor, and from the coastal zone to the open sea. The need to understand the ocean in all its complexity and variability drives MBARI's research and development efforts.